Vietnam U23 squad for ASIAD 2026: A challenge for the next generation

On August 15, 2026, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) unveiled the 23-player squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Notably, the list is missing several key figures who helped Vietnam win the bronze medal at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup. The roster contains 3 goalkeepers, 7 defenders, 9 midfielders and 4 forwards. This heavy midfield concentration may suggest a possession-oriented approach, but no tactical conclusions can be made from a squad list alone. Importantly, the players come from a wide range of clubs: Hanoi FC, SLNA, Cong An TP.HCM, CAND, Hai Phong, Quy Nhon United, Hue, Ninh Binh and The Cong. According to VFF sources, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Tran Trung Kien and Nhat Minh were not called up because they are being kept for the senior national team. All three were key members of the recent ASEAN Cup-winning squad. In addition, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Nguyen Thai Son, Bui Vi Hao and Khuat Van Khang are absent because of ligament injuries. Those injured players had important roles in winning the continental bronze medal. Therefore, head coach Dinh Hong Vinh must build a new core without his most trusted names. This selection reflects a clear strategic vision: protect senior-team priorities and give the next generation a chance to shine at ASIAD. Players like Nguyen Quoc Viet and Nguyen Thanh Nhan could take that chance and even become tournament surprises. The attacking unit, however, looks thin. With only four forwards in a squad of nine midfielders, breaking down strong opponents could prove difficult. Coach Vinh may need to adjust his system and rely on wide attackers such as Nguyen Quoc Viet. Still, there is a positive signal: the wide club representation shows that Vietnam's youth development no longer depends on a single academy. That diversity could make this U23 side more adaptable and competitive in different styles of play. In the long run, ASIAD 2026 is an important growth test for the new generation. Regardless of the final result, the tournament will give valuable experience and help young players move closer to the senior national team.